The candidates for by-election

There are four candidates standing for by-election, but only one seat is currently vacant.

We set a list of questions to the candidates with a request that they answered the questions and provided a short bio, which led to different responses from each candidates. Here’s what they sent us, presented in alphabetical order by last name.

Keith Bertrand

Hello Tumbler Ridge, this is Keith Bertrand and I am running in this by-election for a councillor position. I grew up in Alberta and moved to Tumbler Ridge with my wife in 2003. We have two daughters that we raised here, our youngest graduating this year. I am 49 years old and love a number of different sports. My favourite hockey team is the Edmonton Oilers. I served on council last term from 2018-2022 as Mayor. This was my first experience with council and I learned a lot. I believe this experience and knowledge makes me best suited for this position. If you would like to see me in action, all of our meetings are posted online at the DTR website.

The thing I love most about Tumbler Ridge is the wilderness surrounding and the endless outdoor activities.

Downtown core is a complicated issue that I think council will need to seriously discuss. I think the problem that we face is out of town shopping as well as online. It is very risky to start a business in town because not enough of us support local.

My biggest priorities will be to get up to speed with information and look into this years capital projects. We have some major construction planned this summer with road paving and this will need to continue on. I also want to review the strategic plan and see if we are aligned. I don’t necessarily have specific things that I want to work on because I know everything is team based and council will work on any challenge.

Volunteers are always a concern. We have a number of non-profits in town to choose from. Maybe if we can’t get the volunteers we may have to consolidate some organizations possibly.

I think there are a number of things the district has been excellent at. Snow removal has been consistently the best in the Peace. Council prioritizing certain routes in the morning helped as well as staff changing their schedules to start earlier had really made an incredible difference. Also our Community Centre staff and programs available are second to none.

Biggest growth areas for the town: I think we are going to have to open up new housing land eventually. I think this will be our biggest area for growth is to open up more area for new housing. I also think we need to look at more seniors housing and an assisted living facility. We have a large senior population with services lacking.

The balance we should be looking at between old and new is cost benefits. If it is too costly to repair it is better to start new.

Natasha Dougherty

Why you? What makes you best suited for council?

I like to spend time attending town events and getting to know everyone within the community. I have a genuine desire to serve the community and to help improve the quality of life for the towns residence. I can also dedicate the time to attend meetings, do research and engage with the residents giving me the ability to better understand the needs within our community as a whole. I don’t like being uninformed and if I find myself in that position I like to ask questions and clarify the situation and prefer to make decisions based on facts and evidence.

What do you love most about this community?

Tumbler Ridge has a family friendly atmosphere and is a great place to raise children. Everyone seems to know each other with a plentiful supply of kindness we come together for the greater good and as a town come together in times of need.

What experiences do you have that will inform your role as council member?

I have lived in town for nine years and I’ve spent plenty of time volunteering with different organizations and groups around town and like to help out when I can. Through many years of volunteering, I find having the ability to build consensus and finding common ground makes it easier to help envision a future and to help make decisions that align with long-term goals. I believe volunteering to be the most helpful experience for me to help inform my role as council member. As Aristotle said “he who cannot be a good follower cannot be a good leader”.

What can be done to revitalize the downtown core?

Tumbler Ridge promotes being a walkable town, but our sidewalks have become a tripping hazard for regular pedestrians and have made some buildings harder to access for people with mobility issues. We can also put in a mobile green space in the empty lot that sits directly in the middle of town. Creating a mobile green space could help change that uneven cement pad into a green space that enhances and improves a small but prominent space.

What are your two biggest priorities?

Given that this would be a shortened one year term the priorities should be attainable within that time frame as well. I would like to ensure that everyone have access to high-quality safe and engaging recreational opportunities while providing support and protection for our invaluable volunteers. I would also like our town to invest in well lit streets and safe, pedestrian walkways, bear walks, and parking lots as well as community signage regarding children at play playgrounds, and speed limits.

What changed do you want to see short term?

The sidewalks and bear walks around town being upgraded and fixed with the addition of better lighting would have a huge impact around town. The sidewalks used for the elementary school have almost zero ability to drain so it freezes and thaws becoming either an ice rink or a mini lake that’s deeper than rain boots for half the year.

We’ve lost lots of volunteers how to attract more?

Being a volunteer comes with responsibilities and liabilities that most people may be unaware of or afraid of if they find out what they could be potentially liable for if something happens. The district could create a centralized resource hub for non-profits, including information on funding, training and volunteer recruitment helping streamline, the permitting an application process for non-profit projects. Establishing regular meetings to make communication between all our different volunteer activities around town to share information would go a long way in creating a safer and more supportive volunteer community.

What has the district been excellent at doing?

Tumbler Ridge has been excelling at promoting our outdoor activities and adventures with a plethora of recreational destinations to explore. With foot hills, waterfalls and everything that comes with our UNESCO global geopark designation and being recognized internationally for our significant geological heritage. We also built a beautiful fairground that I would love to see get used to potentially bring back Grizfest and hold other wonderful events to expand out outdoor activities while also supporting our local economy.

What is the balance of the town needs to strike between these two things?

When it comes to buildings like the fire hall I believe in renovating and recovering both affordable houses and historical buildings over tearing down and building from new. Respecting a historical buildings heritage with the goal of preserving its character while ensuring its functionality and safety.

Don Mcpherson

Why me? First off I’ve had a lot of experience and have played a big role on any council I’ve been on. I know the history of this town and what got it to where it is. Not saying there shouldn’t be change but knowing why things were done makes it easier to make the right decisions. Want to see this town improve every year.

I love the area as much as I love the town. I have spent most of my life recreating in the bush and the mountains. Was hunting in this area long before Tumbler Ridge was even thought of, made trips to Kinuseo Falls boating up from east pine and also drove to the falls (63 Buick station wagon) when there wasn’t much for bridges. Wasn’t much I didn’t do outdoors in my younger days, and I’ve had a love affair with this area for a long time.

My experiences. First off my experience on council is second to none, and I bring a lot of knowledge to council. My experience in business, have had retail business ((Shell service station 20 plus years) Tourism (river boat tours on the Murray) mining (light vehicle repair shop at Quintette construction) oil and gas (service truck for CNRL) have had my own businesses most of my adult life. And now being retired, have lots of time and energy to invest into council.

I feel there’s lot of business types that this town needs. The biggest issue in the past to attract businesses was the insecurity of our major industry and I think Conuma has solved that. We also have other industries oil and gas has gotten larger in the area, our wind power projects, tourism is booming, forestry (the community forest). This is quite an improvement from what we started with so it should make attracting businesses easier. We have to get out and promote ourselves as a good place to do business and live. I believe that a strong internet also really helps live in our great little town and do business all over the world.

I would like to see two things happen in town, build that spray park that has been talked about for a long time. Our youngest residents don’t complain but I’m sure it would be well used and would also aid tourism, and the continuation of the walking trails to encircle town. The one end could come close to our info centre to provide easy access for tourists.

In the long term I would like to see some low cost housing projects and open up some areas in town to offer lots for new residential expansion.

Attracting volunteers: this is tough as we work to getting everything else going in the right direction. People get busier and don’t have that extra time. I think that supporting our non-profits and not just with dollars as there is only so much we can do there but with space (Community Centre, parks, fairgrounds or any area that the town controls). Also a continuation of recognition and thanks to our volunteers.

The district has been great at supplying services to all its residents. It’s a strong point in this town from snow clearing to lawn cutting even our recycling centre which I used to call the dump but it’s much more than that now.

There are two areas I would like to see us working towards getting an economic boost. Forestry, in my time here, it’s always annoyed me with all the logging trucks driving by town and the most we might get is selling a cup of coffee. In the past we have tried to attract this industry to be a part of the community (mill, pellet plant, sorting area and rail shipping) I think we should continue doing this. Back before Site C Dam there were I think around three shovel ready wind power sites. I would like to see us working towards getting these back in the conversation again. We won the clean energy community of the year award back then.

I think maintenance of our infrastructure is getting to be a big issue in town. Good examples, Chamberlain housing project being torn down, Hartford place in bad shape, the roof on the fire hall, our streets, issues with underground valves. Everything is getting older and more and more expensive to replace or repair. We need to improve our maintenance systems. I don’t think Ken Klikach‚ our building inspector a few years ago, was ever really replaced. He was a very important person to this town.

David Thompson

I am a retired professional geologist and educator with a lifelong dedication to service, leadership, and community development. With 23 years in the mining industry and 15 years as a classroom teacher, I have built a career rooted in problem-solving, teamwork, and strategic planning.

I hold degrees in Science and Education from UBC and have served in leadership roles across various organizations, including as President of the Wolverine Nordic and Mountain Society (WNMS) and the Tumbler Ridge Curling Club. My experience also includes serving as Chief Geologist at Conuma Resources and Geology and Exploration Manager at Peace River Coal, where I led teams and managed critical projects.

Beyond my professional background, I am deeply involved in community safety and recreation. I currently serve as a BC Wildfire Service Fire Warden for Tumbler Ridge and am a Canadian Rangers candidate. My certifications in First Aid, Chainsaw Operations, Mine Rescue, Wildlife and Danger Tree Assessment, and Avalanche Assessment reflect my commitment to preparedness and safety.

I have also contributed as a former strata council president, high school coach, and board member for several non-profit societies. My leadership experience across multiple sectors has given me a strong understanding of governance, fiscal responsibility, and the needs of our community.

As a candidate for council, I am committed to maintaining and enhancing our local services without raising taxes. I believe in responsible stewardship of our resources, promoting outdoor recreation, and ensuring that Tumbler Ridge remains a great place to live, work, and play.

I look forward to earning your support and working together to build a strong and vibrant future for our community.

Why you? What makes you best suited for council?

Now that I’m retired, I have the time and energy to fully dedicate myself to public service, I am eager to contribute as a councillor for our community with a fresh perspective. I bring a strong commitment to maintaining and enhancing the services that make our community thrive—without increasing the tax burden. My leadership skills, problem-solving ability, and understanding of our town’s needs make me the right choice for council. I believe in practical solutions that balance fiscal responsibility with community growth.

What do you love most about this community?

Our community is built on strong connections, hardworking families, and a shared commitment to making this a great place to live. I love the way neighbours support each other, how local businesses contribute to our town’s character, and the spirit of volunteerism that keeps us moving forward. I’m also deeply passionate about our natural surroundings and the world-class hiking trails that make Tumbler Ridge such a special place to call home.

What experience do you have that will inform your role as a council member?

With a career spanning 23 years in the mining industry and 15 years in education, I have developed strong leadership, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. As President of the Wolverine Nordic and Mountain Society (WNMS) and the Tumbler Ridge Curling Club, I have firsthand experience managing resources, working with volunteers, and advocating for community initiatives. My time as Chief Geologist at Conuma Resources and Geology and Exploration Manager at Peace River Coal taught me how to navigate complex budgets, coordinate large teams, and find practical solutions to challenges.

Beyond my professional experience, I have served on multiple non-profit boards, been a strata council president, and worked closely with local government on various projects. I am learning how municipal government operates and am committed to making informed, responsible decisions that will benefit our entire community. With the time, energy, and dedication to serve, I am ready to be an effective advocate for the citizens of Tumbler Ridge.

What can be done to revitalize the downtown core?

We need to support local businesses and attract more visitors by making downtown a more vibrant and inviting space. This includes improving infrastructure, replacing sidewalks, and encouraging property owners to enhance building facades and accessibility. A focus on walkability and strategic investment in public spaces—such as parks, benches, and accessible walking paths—can help bring more people downtown, creating a stronger sense of community and boosting the local economy.

What are your two biggest priorities?

Maintaining services without raising taxes—we need to be smart about how we allocate resources, find efficiencies, and attract economic development to grow our tax base. It’s essential to strike a balance between maintaining aging infrastructure, such as water and sewer systems, and investing in necessary replacements, like a new fire hall. Fiscal responsibility and long-term planning will ensure we sustain essential services without increasing the financial burden on residents.

Strengthening community engagement—a strong community is built on collaboration. By fostering volunteerism and improving communication between residents and council, we can ensure decisions reflect the needs and priorities of the people who live here. Encouraging open dialogue and creating more opportunities for public input will help build trust and keep our community moving forward together.

What change do you want to see in the short term?

I want to see improvements in infrastructure maintenance, and enhancements to the downtown core’s aesthetics. Making downtown more inviting will help attract visitors, support local businesses and boost community pride.

In the long term?

I want to see sustainable economic growth that supports local businesses, attracts and retains young families and professionals, and creates opportunities without overburdening taxpayers. Additionally, we need to carefully assess options for rebuilding or renovating the fire hall, balancing fiscal responsibility with the need for modern, reliable emergency services.

We’ve lost a lot of our key volunteers over the last few years. How do we attract more?

We need to show appreciation for volunteers, provide meaningful opportunities, and make it easier for people to get involved. Partnering with local schools, businesses, and clubs can help bring in new volunteers, while public recognition and support will encourage more community engagement. The WNMS has had success building their volunteer base by highlighting project and work bee achievements on social media and their website—an approach that could be expanded to other community groups.

What has the district been excellent at doing?

The district has maintained a strong sense of community, provided excellent public services like snow removal, and made responsible financial decisions. It has also supported local businesses and clubs and kept public spaces, like the community centre, well-maintained, contributing to a high quality of life for residents.

What are the biggest growth areas for the community, economically?

Supporting small businesses, attracting new industries, and encouraging tourism-related opportunities can help our local economy thrive. We also need to explore ways to make housing more accessible for working families.

We are entering a period in the life of the town when the demand for new things bumps up against the need for the old things to be repaired. What is the balance that the town needs to strike between these two demands?

Preserving our town’s character is important, but we also need to ensure aging infrastructure is maintained or rebuilt while planning for future housing needs. A balanced approach means restoring and maintaining what we can while being open to smart, thoughtful development that improves quality of life—without overburdening taxpayers. Responsible planning will help us meet current demands while preparing for the future.